ABSTRACT
The viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) are caused by a group of taxonomically and pathophysiologically diverse viruses that are collected under a single generalized heading based on their common clinical attribute of having the potential to cause profuse hemorrhage and involve multiple organ systems (LeDuc, 2008). Most, although not all, VHFs are relatively rare diseases but attract disproportionate attention from the media and the public because of their well-publicized capacity for causing signicant morbidity and mortality in infected individuals (Crowcroft et al., 2002). In an era of terrorism and terrorist attacks such as the downing of the World Trade Towers on September 11, 2002, in New York City, the VHFs have also attracted increased concern because of their potential for biological weaponization, which could cause widespread death and serious illness through intentional release (Borio et al., 2002).
